Legal Office

The Legal Office provides legal consultation and guidance to all agency offices; enforces educational statutory and regulatory compliance; and investigates civil rights complaints for referral to the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.

The Legal Department also manages the administrative hearing process for seeking resolution of disputes relating to such issues as student discipline, residency and transportation through the filing of appeals and complaints with the Office of Commissioner pursuant to the General Laws relating to schools and education.

What do I do if I’m having a problem at my child’s school?

What happens when schools and families don’t agree?

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) recognizes that shared decision-making can be challenging. There are times when family and school team members do not reach agreement or when a student’s entitlements may come under question. RIDE offers several state level options to assist families and schools in resolving issues that remain after attempts for resolution at the local school level have been exhausted.

Before seeking help from RIDE at the state level, consider the following questions:

There is a certain process that must be adhered to before RIDE can assist a party with dispute resolution. Prior to contacting RIDE it is important that all attempts to resolve your issue be handled at the local level.

It is only when all of these attempts to resolve the dispute have been exhausted and you still are seeking remedy can RIDE be in a position to assist.

Classroom Teacher

First discuss the issue with classroom teacher, if applicable, and try to work it out.

School Principal

Then, if you are unable to work it out with the teacher Ð or if the issue is not specific to a certain class Ð then bring the issue to the school principal.

Superintendent

If you cannot resolve the issue with the school principal, then go to the district superintendent.

School Committee

If you cannot come to resolution with the superintendent, then go before the School Committee.

RIDE Legal Office / RIDE Special Education Call Center

If, after going through all of the channels at the local level, the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, then you may contact the RIDE and ask for a hearing.

If the issue is about general education issues, contact the RIDE Legal Office. If the issue is related to special education, contact the RIDE Special Education Call Center.

Commissioner of Education

If you disagree with the hearing decision, you may appeal to the Commissioner of Education.

Board of Education

If you disagree with the Commissioner's decision, you may appeal to the Board of Education.

Please contact:

Where can I find source law and legal interpretations?

There is an extensive body of educational law and regulations that guides RIDE in its mission to lead and support public education. The legal office at RIDE relies on its knowledge and understanding of such laws and regulations to support RIDE in ensuring all students achieve without the least limitation placed on their opportunity to succeed academically as meaningful contributors to society.